Anders Lee placed on long-term injured reserve by Islanders

NEWARK — The Islanders announced before Sunday’s game against the Devils at Prudential Center they were placing Anders Lee on long-term injured reserve retroactive to Thursday, raising the possibility their captain will be unable to return during the regular season.

It allows the Islanders to apply Lee’s $7 million salary-cap hit above the $81.5 million ceiling. The Islanders are already exceeding the NHL’s ceiling with de facto retired defenseman Johnny Boychuk ($6 million) being placed on LTIR just before the start of the season.

Players on LTIR must miss a minimum of 10 NHL games and 24 days, making Lee eligible to return on April 6 against the Capitals. The NHL trade deadline is April 12…